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Program Structure

Our Strength: Our Program

The Rotman's PhD program incorporates course work, independent research, comprehensive examinations, and a final dissertation. Find more information on program structure, course requirements and expected time-lines for completion.

The main components for the successful completion of the program are:

Each of these components, as well as the annual performance review procedure, is described in more detail. A typical program of studies takes four to five years. The bulk of the course requirements, as well as the research project are completed during the first two years. The comprehensive examination is taken in the summer of the second year. The last two to three years of the program are focused on the thesis research.

The typical stages of the program are as follows:

First Year

Students complete two PhD level courses in OMS, as part of their Major Field requirement
Student complete the two required courses in Quantitative Methods I (stochastic models)
Students complete two of three required course in Quantitative Methods II (applied mathematics and optimization models)
Students complete one or more Professional Requirements courses
Students complete one or more courses from a Minor Field

Summer of the First Year

Research Project
First year evaluation of student progress (end of summer)

Second Year

Students complete two PhD level courses in OMS (second part of Major Field requirement)
Students complete the remaining required courses in Quantitative Methods II (applied mathematics and optimization models)
Students complete the remaining required courses in the Professional Requirements area
Students complete the remaining required courses in Minor Fields
Students complete the required course in Economics
Students complete their research project and present the results in the OM Seminar

Summer of the Second Year

Students successfully complete the Comprehensive Examination
Second year evaluation of student progress (end of summer)

Third Year

Students identify the academic supervisor and thesis research topic
Students take the course to complete their Teaching Proficiency requirement
Students take additional specialized courses, as needed
Students begin their dissertation proposal

Summer of the Third Year

Students continue their thesis research
Third year evaluation of student progress (end of summer)

Fourth Year (including summer)

Students present their dissertation proposal
Students continue their research. Early results are submitted for publication.
Students participate in hands-on teaching activities (course instructor, tutorial leader)
Fourth year student evaluation (end of summer)

Fourth or Fifth Year (including summer)

Students complete their thesis research
Students prepare their job talks seminars and present them in OM Seminars (fall)
Students defend their dissertations